KUALA LUMPUR: All e-hailing operators in Malaysia will have to install a SOS button within their respective app’s to enable passengers to alert police, if they are in danger.

Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) chief executive officer Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah said the passenger safety aspect will be based on Uber’s practise in India.

"Uber for one has agreed on our terms. We have also stressed the need for them to do behavioural checks which includes background checks to see if they have a criminal record", he said after a meeting with the ride-share operator, here, today.

"They will also be required to share all details on their drivers to us, progressively from June 16. We will then cross check these details with the police and the Road Transport Department," he added.

The meeting between SPAD and the e-hailing service provider, was held following the case involving a Uber driver robbing a woman passenger in Puchong, Selangor on May 21.

Azharuddin also said these requirements would be made obligatory even before the act regulating e-hailing comes into effect.

The Land Public Transport Act Amendment to regulate services using e-hailing applications is expected to be tabled for second reading in the Dewan Rakyat in July.

In April a bill on the e-hailing service was tabled in Parliament. Among others it aims to ensure e-hailing service operators would be responsible for adopting the highest safety standards and service quality.